by Robert Klemko and Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

by Robert Klemko and Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

Ed Reed snagged his final interception as a member of the Baltimore Ravens in the game that mattered most. Now he's leaving for another AFC power.

The 34-year-old free safety, who started all 20 games in last season's successful Super Bowl run, has agreed to join the Houston Texans, according to a person informed of the progress of negotiations.

The person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the contract isn't yet signed, did not provide terms.

Drafted 24th overall in 2002, Reed earned nine Pro Bowl nods with the Ravens, but the 2004 defensive player of the year will now fill a need for the two-time AFC South champions. Reed earned his first Super Bowl ring - picking off San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the 34-31 Super Bowl XLVII triumph in New Orleans - in his 11th and final season with the Ravens, who have experienced an exodus of experience and talent since free agency began.

Gone are retirees Ray Lewis and Matt Birk, free agent linebackers Paul Kruger and Dannell Ellerbe, cornerback Cary Williams wide receiver Anquan Boldin (traded to the 49ers), and now Reed, who said he played through a torn labrum in his shoulder for much of the 2012 regular season.

His departure does not come as a shock to teammates who got a crash course in the business side of the NFL over the last month.

"It's not surprising," Baltimore linebacker Albert McClellan told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday evening. "At the end of the day, he's got to look out for himself and do whatever he can to help out his family. I'm pretty sure he wants to play, but he doesn't want to play for something that he's not worth. Nobody wants to play for less than they're worth."

Reed intended to rejoin the Ravens for the right price.

"I am a Raven, plan on being a Raven," he told NFL Network in early March. "I couldn't see myself anywhere else, but if it happens, I am a football player, I can adapt to any situation."

His health and play in apparent decline, Reed admitted before the 2012 regular-season finale that he had lost a step. He became expendable in Baltimore but essential to a Texans defense which ranked seventh in the NFL last season in yards allowed.

The Ravens may look to fill Reed's spot with free agent Michael Huff, a former first-round pick who has played safety and cornerback for the Oakland Raiders. Huff will visit with the team in the coming week, according to ESPN. But Ravens players insist Reed won't easily be replaced.

"Ed Reed is one of the greatest safeties to ever play this game," Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain told USA TODAY Sports. "That's not something that can ever be replaced. Ed is one of the most honest people I've encountered, from a place that you know is completely from his heart. He was a big mentor to me, and beyond that he's been entrenched in the community in Baltimore."

In need of a safety with the departure of free agent Glover Quin to the Detroit Lions, Houston rolled out the red carpet for Reed last week with the team tweeting that general manager Rick Smith would pick up Reed for his Houston visit in Texans chairman and CEO Bob McNair's private jet. But Reed waited a week to commit to the Texans after his much-publicized visit.

Losing Reed leaves Baltimore without the two safeties who started much of last season. Bernard Pollard was released earlier this month. Journeyman backup safety James Ihedigbo, however, was re-signed.